Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some career guidance here. I have two job interviews coming up and I’m trying to figure out which path makes more sense for me.
The first opportunity is with a tiny investment banking firm - they only have about 8 people and work with just a couple of clients. The role would be as an investment banking analyst.
The second option is at one of the major accounting firms for a financial modeling and valuation analyst position.
For context, I have a finance degree but it’s been around 5 years since I graduated. After school I spent about 3 years working in audit and fund administration work.
What I’m really wondering is whether my current background gives me enough foundation to succeed in either of these roles. Would I be able to pick up the required skills fast enough to be effective?
Any thoughts or advice would be really helpful. Thanks!
I’d go with the boutique IB role if you want real learning opportunities. Yeah, 8 people is risky, but you’ll see entire deal processes - something you’d never get at a big firm where everything’s siloed. I jumped from audit 4 years ago (slightly bigger shop though) and the learning curve was steep but manageable. Your fund admin experience is actually gold - you know the back-office stuff most analysts don’t. You’ll pick up modeling fast when you’re working real deals instead of Big 4 practice exercises. Just my two cents!
Your audit and fund admin background actually sets you up well for both roles. The accounting firm gig might be easier since you’re already familiar with audit work - you’d just be adding modeling skills on top. These firms usually have decent training programs and mentorship too. The boutique IB role would be tougher since smaller teams mean less hand-holding, but you’d see way more deal types. Here’s the thing - Big Four modeling roles often lead to great exits in corp dev, PE, or bigger banks. Don’t sweat the 5-year gap either. Tons of people jump from audit into these analytical roles. Just make sure you can show off your numbers skills and prove you actually care about valuation work in interviews.
Honestly, the Big 4 modeling role sounds way more stable long-term. I’ve seen too many boutiques fold when things get rough - it’s a real risk.
Your audit experience is huge here, especially for modeling work since you already get the financials.
This video has solid insights on moving around within Big 4 firms if you need help deciding.
Both options are solid! Your audit background is actually a huge advantage - most analysts don’t have that hands-on experience. Don’t worry about the 5-year gap. Your real-world skills trump fresh coursework any day. Just pick whatever gets you more excited!
both options are pretty meh, but i’d go with the big 4 role. that 8-person boutique sounds like you’ll be doing everything - coffee runs, modeling, probably answering phones too. at least big 4 has structure and won’t fold if they lose a client.
your audit background helps, but 5 years out? you’re competing with fresh grads who actually remember their finance coursework. the modeling role is safer - no cold calling at 9pm. just don’t expect either job to be glamorous.
